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AMHP Social WorkerLocation: TamesideRate: £45
The main purpose of the post is to provide an effective AMHP service and to ensure wherever possible that Mental Health Act (MHA) assessment requests are managed within the resources provided by the AMHP rota.
To support the provision and operation of the Local Authority’s MHA responsibilities as exercised through AMHPs working within Tameside.
The post holder will work with the Access and Liaison Mental Health Team, Home Treatment Teams, living well and non-statutory service providers and help promote access to and development awareness of community resources, to support the relevant person and their families and prevent admissions whenever possible and desirable.
To maintain and improve professional standards of practice through specialist knowledge and supervision. To promote and incorporate principles and values of recovery and social inclusion in all aspects of the role.
To participate in undertaking all duties associated with the role of an AMHP.
• To act as a dedicated AMHP for Community and Hospital based assessments Part-time working pattern to be agreed.• To be responsible for undertaking holistic, strengths based assessments with adults, carers and families to help them make informed choices and decisions, enabling them to clarify and express their needs, manage risk and contribute to service planning.• To complete assessments wherever possible and when it is not possible and after discussion with the AMHP manager on-call, to liaise with the next AMHP on duty and to provide a full handover in line with best and safe practice• Consult with doctors, specialists and other professionals to establish service users' current circumstances and previous history. Collect additional relevant background information from a variety of sources, for example medical records, case notes etc.• Interview the service user in an appropriate manner as defined by legislation, to undertake a full risk assessment which will inform the decision-making process for an application for detention. Co-ordinate the service user's assessment process which necessitates liaison with other professional bodies - e.g., the police ambulance services, or courts - to obtain warrants for entering premises.• Arrange the safe transport of the service user and legal documentation to the hospital, and check the documents for accuracy which could be the subject of legal challenge.• Identify and consult with the nearest relative of the service user, as defined by legislation. Advise the service user of his/her legal right of appeal, and the right of the nearest relative to request the discharge of the service user.• Make alternative arrangements for the service user’s care where an application is not made under the Act (or is refused) and to inform all relevant agencies, including the nearest relative, of these arrangements.• Complete the Approved Mental Health Professional report documentation in a timely manner and circulate to all relevant parties• Maintain appropriate records of work undertaking monitoring forms and carry out any required administrative procedures.• To practice within the guidance and policies that relate to AMHP duties where this is consistent with the codes of practice and case law. Contribute personal practice and experience perspective to the ongoing development of these policies and guidance.• Prepare for and attend supervision sessions and staff meetings and make use of all available training and developmental opportunities.• Contribute to the evaluation and development of services and new ideas by sharing knowledge about theory, skills and practice with other Social Services staff, professional groups and interested bodies.• To liaise with partner agencies through established forums and other communication as required including liaison with police, ambulance, MHA administrators• To attend and contribute to the AMHP and MHL forums wherever possible and depending on AMHP rota demands.
